Chicken A L'Orange
Juicy quartered chicken pieces baked with a fragrant blend of spices and herbs, then finished with a zesty orange and lemon sauce. This dish offers a delightful combination of savory, citrus, and aromatic flavors, perfect for a sophisticated yet approachable dinner that impresses family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- 2 broiler size chickens (2 to 2 1/2 lb.), quartered ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried tarragon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup minced green onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced finely ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 4 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Cointreau ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken stock or broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange quartered chicken pieces in a long, shallow baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, turning the pieces twice during cooking.
- In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and tarragon; pour evenly over the chicken pieces.
- Continue to bake for about 15 minutes, until the chicken is tender and browned.
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce by combining Cointreau and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat until slightly thickened.
- Serve the chicken hot, drizzled with the orange sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more complex flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the seasoning mix for a few hours before baking. If you don't have Cointreau, orange juice or a splash of orange extract can be used as a substitute. For a crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last few minutes of baking. Feel free to add additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken A L'Orange with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with rice pilaf or mashed potatoes, which can soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, consider offering a light dessert such as sorbet or a citrus tart.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken A L'Orange can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken A L'Orange contains roughly 213 calories, with 10g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), iron (67% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1836mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different parts of the chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of whole chickens. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Using bone-in pieces will help maintain moisture and flavor.
What can I substitute for chicken stock if I don't have any?
If you don't have chicken stock, vegetable broth or even water can work as substitutes. For added flavor, consider using bouillon cubes or powder to create a quick broth. Just be mindful of the salt content when adding these alternatives.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply bake the chicken and reheat the sauce. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings or busy weeknights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).